4.5 Point Loads

MacSlope allows an unlimited number of point loads to be applied to the ground surface of the slope geometry.

To create a point load, select Define Point Load from the Materials / Loads tab of the tool palette, select a line on the ground surface and click at the desired location.

You will be presented with a blue point marker representing the point load.

Click the marker for manual input of the location, or drag markers to move location above the selected line. Note that point loads do not snap.

Use the Select/Pan tool to edit the point load magnitude and inclination angle by selecting the point load and right clicking.

By default point loads are created normal to the selected ground surface line. Point loads can not be specified parallel to the ground surface line.

The units to define point loads are kN in Metric and lbf in Imperial.

MacSlope creates an external force acting at the top of the slice where the point load is acting, and at the specified inclination angle.

Once an analysis is complete, use the Inspector Tool and tap over a slice to view the slice forces and verify the point load has been modeled as expected.

Take care specifying point loads on a submerged ground surface. If the option "Include No Strength Regions in Slice" is enabled for submerged slopes, the point load will be applied to the top of a no strength region, which is not physically possible. In this case it is recommended to use the "Apply Hydrostatic Force to Top of Slice" option for submerged slopes.

Using the Select/Pan Tool to edit / delete a point load

Select the Select/Pan Tool in the Drawing tab of the tool palette, and click once on a point load in the drawing to select it. The point load will be highlighted to indicate it is selected. Now right click and a menu will be presented with the option to edit the point load magnitude/angle, or delete the point load.